Adult Autism Assessment in New York & Connecticut: What to Expect from an Affirming Evaluation

If you are an adult in New York or Connecticut who suspects you might be Autistic, you are not alone. More and more adults are recognizing that their lifelong experiences — with sensory processing, social communication, masking, and burnout — may be explained by Autism. Getting a proper adult Autism assessment is the first step toward understanding yourself and accessing the support you deserve.

Why Adults Are Seeking Autism Assessments

Autism was historically diagnosed almost exclusively in children, and the diagnostic criteria were built around how Autism presents in young boys. This means that countless adults — especially women, nonbinary individuals, people of color, and those who learned to mask effectively — were never identified. Many have spent years being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, or simply told they were "too sensitive" or "socially awkward."

Common reasons adults in New York and Connecticut seek an Autism evaluation include:

• A lifelong feeling of being "different" without a clear explanation
• Sensory sensitivities — to light, sound, texture, or social environments — that feel overwhelming
• Social exhaustion and difficulty with unwritten social rules, small talk, or reading between the lines
• A pattern of intense, focused interests that bring deep satisfaction
• Chronic burnout from years of masking — performing neurotypical behavior to fit in
• A child or family member was recently diagnosed, prompting self-recognition
• Previous treatment for anxiety or depression that has never fully addressed the root cause

What Is an Affirming Autism Assessment?

An affirming Autism assessment is fundamentally different from a traditional diagnostic approach. Rather than focusing on deficits, impairments, and what is "wrong," an affirming evaluation seeks to understand how your brain is wired — your sensory experiences, communication style, social needs, and the unique strengths that come with your neurology.

At Rachel Frank Psychology, the Autism evaluation is conducted using an affirming framework that:

• Views Autism as a neurological difference, not a disorder to be fixed
• Honors masking and recognizes how it can obscure Autism in traditional assessments
• Creates a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share your authentic experiences
• Focuses on self-understanding and practical support rather than just assigning a label

How the Autism Assessment Works

The adult Autism assessment at Rachel Frank Psychology is conducted via secure telehealth and typically takes about 3 virtual sessions. The process uses the MIGDAS (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum) interview along with standardized questionnaires.

The MIGDAS Interview

The MIGDAS is an evidence-based, sensory-based interview specifically designed to assess Autism in a conversational and affirming way. Unlike traditional assessment tools that rely heavily on external observation of social deficits, the MIGDAS explores your internal experience — how you perceive the world through your senses, how you navigate social interactions, and how you communicate and process information.

The MIGDAS is particularly effective for assessing adults who have learned to mask or camouflage Autistic traits. It captures the nuances of lived experience that standardized checklists often miss.

Standardized Questionnaires

In addition to the MIGDAS interview, the assessment includes validated questionnaires that provide additional data points about your sensory processing, social communication, and related experiences. These tools complement the clinical interview to build a complete picture of your neurological profile.

Feedback and Next Steps

After the assessment, you will receive a thorough review of findings, a clear explanation of whether Autism is present, and personalized recommendations. This includes guidance on accommodations, strategies, and support that can help you thrive as your authentic self.

Virtual Autism Testing in New York and Connecticut

All Autism assessments at Rachel Frank Psychology are available entirely via telehealth for adults anywhere in New York State or Connecticut. You do not need to travel to an office — the entire evaluation is completed through secure video sessions from the comfort of your home.

For many Autistic adults, the virtual format is actually preferable — it eliminates the sensory overwhelm of traveling to an unfamiliar office, sitting in a waiting room, and adjusting to a new environment. You can participate from a space where you feel safe and comfortable, which often leads to a more authentic and accurate assessment.

Who Should Consider an Adult Autism Assessment?

Consider pursuing an Autism evaluation if you relate to any of the following:

• You have always felt like you are "performing" in social situations rather than being yourself
• Sensory experiences — noise, crowds, certain textures, bright lights — are significantly more intense for you than for others
• You have a deep need for routine, predictability, and advance notice of changes
• You have intense interests that you can focus on for hours, and switching between tasks feels difficult
• You experience social exhaustion even from interactions you genuinely enjoy
• You have been told you are "too much" or "not enough" throughout your life
• You have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, but something still feels unaddressed

Autism and ADHD: They Often Overlap

It is very common for Autism and ADHD to co-occur. Many adults seeking an Autism assessment already have an ADHD diagnosis — or discover during the evaluation process that both conditions are present. Dr. Rachel Frank specializes in both ADHD and Autism assessments and understands the unique way these conditions interact and overlap.

If you are wondering whether your experiences are better explained by Autism, ADHD, or both, a comprehensive evaluation can provide that clarity.

Why Choose Rachel Frank Psychology for Your Autism Assessment?

• Affirming approach: Autism is understood as a neurological difference, not a deficit — the assessment honors who you are
• MIGDAS-trained: Dr. Frank uses the MIGDAS interview, an evidence-based tool specifically designed for conversational, affirming Autism assessment
• Specialized expertise: The practice focuses specifically on ADHD, Autism, OCD, and neurodivergent conditions
• Lived experience: As someone with ADHD herself and a parent of neurodivergent children, Dr. Frank brings genuine understanding
• Licensed in NY & CT: Serving adults across both states via secure telehealth
• Comfortable virtual format: Complete your assessment from home — no sensory overwhelm from unfamiliar settings
• Elite training: Stanford University B.A., Ph.D. from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Autism Assessments

Ready to Understand Yourself Better?

If you have been wondering whether Autism explains your lifelong experiences, an affirming evaluation can provide the answers and validation you have been looking for. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Rachel Frank to discuss your concerns and learn how an affirming Autism assessment can help.